basturma
/bɑːˈstʊərmə/
Definition
A highly seasoned, air-dried, and cured beef, traditionally used in Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Etymology
The word stems from the Ottoman Turkish 'bastırma,' meaning 'pressed meat.' It originated in the regions of the former Ottoman Empire and spread throughout the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East as a method for preserving meat.
In the news
In the article, basturma refers to the key ingredient in a controversial $38 brisket sandwich at the restaurant Yerord Mas. The dish sparked a debate about whether traditional, often perceived as 'cheap' cultural foods, can command high price points when elevated with premium ingredients.
'It looks like a war.' How a $38 Armenian brisket sandwich ignited debate over culture and cost
Read the full article ↗Los Angeles Times